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Street and Gangland Rhythms, Beats and Improvisations by Six Boys in Trouble

Various Artists
Street and Gangland Rhythms, Beats and Improvisations by Six Boys in Trouble This album features jams on homemade percussion instruments by six 11- and 12-year-old African American boys living in New York City public housing, about 1955. These young, untrained musicians improvise the tunes and tales of their upbringing on this rhythmic release and draw inspiration from family folk traditions and popular radio and juke box hits of the era. The group’s enjoyment is apparent in their school yard musical expressions, as is their self-identification with the community in which they live. The album is divided into three parts: Percussion Ensembles, Rhythms with Voices, and Rhythms with Verses. The liner notes provide a deeper look into each section, as well as a subsequent transcription of the lyrics.

Track Listing

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101
Two Bongo Drum Sets and Sticks n/a 00:59
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102
Bongo Drums and Sticks n/a 01:19
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103
One Boy Playing Three Sets of Bongo Drums with His Hand and One Drum Stick n/a 00:31
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104
Rhythm Ensemble with Voices n/a 01:12
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105
Zum, Zum n/a 01:11
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106
Ole n/a 01:33
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107
Bo Diddlie n/a 02:16
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108
Gugamuga n/a 01:25
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109
Riding Hood Boogy Man n/a 01:07
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110
Sister Suki n/a 01:23
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111
Why Can't I Get it Too n/a 02:21
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112
Cha Cha Cha n/a 01:25
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113
The Fox n/a 01:14
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201
Gang Fight n/a 02:21
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202
Shoe Shine n/a 02:42
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203
Shoe Shine Shakedown n/a 04:37
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204
Dumb Boy n/a 04:37
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205
Money Honey n/a 02:48
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206
I Want Some Food n/a 05:12